instrument panel LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 1997 User Guide

100The Electronic Compass
(If equipped)The electronic compassThe compass is mounted to the inside rear view
mirror. The display is in the upper right hand
corner of the mirror glass.The display will show one of the following
directions: N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, and NW. The
brightness of the compass display is controlled by
the instrument panel dimming switch.
Factors Affecting Compass AccuracySome things which can affect compass accuracy are
large buildings, bridges, power lines, and powerful
antennas. Keep radar detectors and other
magnetically mounted devices as far away from the
compass as possible. Sometimes after-market and
dealer-installed moon roofs can affect the accuracy
of the compass. Using automatic car washes can
cause minor inaccuracies in the compass.
NOTE:Usually, when something affects the
compass readings, the compass will correct itself
after a few days of operating your vehicle in normal
conditions. If the compass is still giving inaccurate
readings after a few days, perform a compass
adjustment.
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106To lock out all window switches except the master
controls, press the window lock switch once. To
restore control to the individual windows, press the
switch again.
There is also an Express Down feature on the
driver's power window. This feature can be
activated through the menu functions of your
Message Center.
To operate, briefly press the driver's window switch
to the down position. The window will then open
automatically. To stop automatic operation, briefly
press the switch again to either the up or down
position. More than a quick press of the switch
provides conventional power window operation.
Closing of the power window is conventional
operation only.
Memory Profile System
(If equipped)The Personality Memory Feature customizes your
Continental for up to two (2) drivers. The following
features are automatically recalled when unlocking
the doors using the remote entry transmitter,
keyless entry keypad, or by pressing the Memory 1
or Memory 2 switches on the driver's door:q
All driver's seat positions except power lumbar
and head restraint.
q
Both left and right outside mirror settings.
q
Radio station presets including the last selected
station and band and all preset preferences on
FM1, FM2, and AM.
q
Instrument panel dimming setting.
q
Autolamp delay time-out setting.
q
Ride/Steering menu setting.
q
Feature Menu settings
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1663. Make sure that the gearshift is in P (Park) and
the parking brake is set before you turn the
key.
Before you start your vehicle, you should test the
warning lights on the instrument panel to make
sure that they work. Refer to theInstrumentation
chapter.Starting Your EngineTo start your engine:
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start Your
Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.4. Turn the key to the START position (cranking)
until the engine starts. Allow the key to return
to the ON position after the engine has started.
If you have difficulty in turning the key, rotate
the steering wheel slightly because it may be
binding.
For a cold engine:
q
At temperatures10ÊF(-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you do
not flood the engine, then try again.
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
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172Do not drive with your foot resting on the brake
pedal; you will wear out the linings and increase
your vehicle's stopping distance. Brake rotor damage
may also eventually occur.
NOTE:If you are driving down a long or steep hill,
shift to a lower gear and do not apply your brakes
continuously. If you apply your brakes continuously,
they may overheat and become less effective.
Occasional brake squeal during light to moderate
stops does not affect the function of the brake
system and is normal. However, if the squeal
becomes louder or more frequent, have your brakes
inspected by your dealer or a qualified service
technician.
Ford Motor Company has not found any
detrimental effects of popular mobile radio
transmitting equipment installed on vehicles with
the anti-lock brake system, if the equipment is
installed according to the manufacturer's
instructions. However, if mobile radio transmittingequipment is installed in your vehicle and, if either
the anti-lock brake system cycles or the ANTI-LOCK
light comes on at any time other than right after
you turn the key to the ON position or during a
sudden stop, have your mobile radio dealer inspect
the installation.
Parking BrakeThe parking brake should be used whenever
you park your vehicle.
The parking brake is suspended just below the
lower left corner of the instrument panel.
To set the parking brake:
1. Move the gearshifter to P (Park).
2. Push the parking brake pedal down firmly and
fully with your left foot.
The Brake System Light in the warning lights will
glow once the parking brake is set.
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174You have an automatic release for the parking
brake. The parking brake should automatically
unlock when you move the gearshift to any forward
gear while the engine is running. However, the
automatic release does not work when the gearshift
is in reverse, neutral or park.
To manually release the parking brake, pull the
BRAKE RELEASE handle located on the lower left
corner of the instrument panel. The Brake Warning
Light will illuminate if the parking brake is not fully
released when the engine is running.
The parking brake is not designed to stop a moving
vehicle, but you can use the parking brake to stop
your vehicle in an emergency if the normal brakes
fail. However, since the parking brake applies only
the rear brakes, the stopping distance will increase
greatly and the handling of your vehicle will be
adversely affected.Always check the Brake Warning Light each time
you start your engine. Driving with the parking
brake on will cause the brakes to wear out quickly
and will reduce the fuel economy.
Traction Control
TM
Your vehicle is be equipped with the Traction
Control
TM
system. This system helps prevent wheel
spin in order to improve tire traction and is an
especially useful feature when you drive in hilly
areas or on slippery, icy or snowy roads.
When the Traction Control system is controlling
wheelspin, an electric motor sound may be heard
from the engine compartment and engine
acceleration may seem slower. This is normal.
Traction Control
TM
works automatically by rapidly
applying and releasing the brakes and reducing
engine torque to prevent one or both of the front
drive wheels from spinning during acceleration.
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193
The instrument panel fuse panel location
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194The instrument panel fuse panel
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195
The Instrument Panel Fuses
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203
Checking and Replacing FusesIf you need to check a fuse, follow these steps:
1. Find the fuse panel underneath the instrument
panel to the left of the steering column.
Squeeze together the two areas indicated by
the arrows and pull down to remove the cover.
2. Find the fuse you want to check (fuses are
numbered on the fuse panel) and remove it
with the fuse pulling tool that is provided.
3. Check the fuse to see if it is blown. Look
through the clear side of the fuse to see if the
metal wire inside is separated. If it is, the fuse
should be replaced.The side view of a Blade type fuse
The side view of a high current fuse
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223
Opening the Hood1. Inside the vehicle, pull the hood release handle
located under the bottom left corner of the
instrument panel.
The hood release under the instrument panel
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